Bur Brown vs Wolfson

[Drew664]

Which DAC is better?

I was looking into the Pioneer Elite line of receivers and I was surprised to see that they use Wolfson instead of Bur Browns. Like many others on this site, I'm learning from those that know just about everything A/V related. This is something that isn't discussed much, but from what I can gather Bur Browns is a highly desired DAC, but is it better than the rest?

Any insight into these would be helpful to myself and others that are looking to invest into an A/V receiver.

[JimShaw]

I went on line to try to find out myself. Here are a couple quotes from two people out there regarding your question
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"The question isn't really "which DAC is better?" The question is "with all other things being equal, which one sounds better to you?". You may very well likely prefer the sound of the "worser" DAC. Or maybe not.

But in all honesty, it's really hard (if not impossible) to practically compare 2 different components' DACs. There are just too many other variables besides the difference in the DACs to get a handle on and control for to really be able to attribute one's preference to simply being due to the different DAC.

So, the only question one can really answer is "DAC notwithstanding, which component's sound do I prefer?" and even then you can't really be sure you're comparing the components "equally".
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Depends upon the specific part..
Burr Brown, Cirrus Logic, Analog Devices, AKM, Wolfson all supply a wide range of DACs..
They can cost from $0.31 (2-CH) up to > $10.00 (2-CH)

[budkole]

heres my 2 cents...I was beating the walls doing all the research about receivers and was really getting tired of it, so I let my ear choose for me. And i couldnt be happier.

[Riff Magnum]

I've always been under the impression that Wolfson's were a little better.

[dobyblue]

There are many DAC's from both Wolfson and BB, you need to look at what you're using it for and then decide.

Of course if you're buying someone else's equipment and not making your own receiver then the DAC is just one tiny part of the puzzle and I wouldn't buy a receiver based solely on the DAC.

[budkole]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

There are many DAC's from both Wolfson and BB, you need to look at what you're using it for and then decide.

Of course if you're buying someone else's equipment and not making your own receiver then the DAC is just one tiny part of the puzzle and I wouldn't buy a receiver based solely on the DAC.

TRUE...TRUE

[jibucha]

Hello

There are technical specifications, that determine objectively, which DAC is better.

For those that care for the best of audio performance; which DAC is better does indeed factor in greatly.

For those that wish to simply listen, and have a subjective preference, then this technical difference may or may not matter; it is entirely dependent upon whether their subjective preference is what is technically superior or not.

For myself; without exception, the better DAC is the better high fidelity, so I consider high performance DAC's a matter of necessity, rather than choice.

Thank You

[got rice]

Where can one find the technical specs on which DAC is better? If someone can post this would be greatly appreciated.

[typ44q]

I have wondered the same thing, I am looking to get a logitech Duet and it has Wolfson DAC but my receiver has BB (onkyo 805) and wondered if I would be better off sending analog or digital to the receiver.

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by Riff Magnum

I've always been under the impression that Wolfson's were a little better.

Same here, I have heard better things from Wolfson.

[Slec]

What makes a DAC better than another? Is it a higher signal-to-noise ratio? better Dynamic range? a different mode of processing? or what you hear?

Probably a combination of all the above.

[doctorsteve]

Less filling... Period.

But don't listen to me - I went with the Onkyo 805 because all the hype over Burr Browns. not complaining, mind you. I love my setup just as it is, and if I was female, I'm sure my eggs would be scrambled by now from the audio I get from it.